My son's going to be in the parade this year, and from what we understand he's going to be performing in Herald Square at the end (with Andy Williams!). Needless to say my wife and I would like to see it in person. I've never attempted to see the parade at Herald Square, only on Central Park West. The parade website says there are limited viewing areas on the south side of 34th St between 7th & Broadway, and notes that people begin arriving by 6:30. Has anyone ever gone there for the parade before, and can you suggest any strategy for getting a good viewing spot?

Most of the area istaken up by either tv crews/staff etc or official viewing grandstand.

The only way to have even a chance of seeing anything is to arrive at the crack of dawn - 6:30 may not be early enough - and realize that you'll have to stand for hours. (If you have one - or can borrow one I would try to get those 3-legged seats that fold up like an umbrella - so you don;t have to stand the whole time. Also - be sure to take a bio break before you arrive.)

"bio break"! I like that one! Good advice, thanks!

The are around Macy's where the performances take place is usually reserved for VIPs. Your son should find out if he's entitled to any passes! You never know. Good luck to him. What will he be doing so we can all watch?

The area around Macy's where the performances take place is usually reserved for VIPs. Your son should find out if he's entitled to any passes! You never know. Good luck to him. What will he be doing so we can all watch?

mclaurie, thank you. From what we understand, his group will be in the float just before Santa, who is at the end of the parade. Then, at the very end of the parade at Herald Sq, they are supposed to assemble with Andy Williams (he's the grand marshall this year, I think), and they're performing "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year".

Thanks for the suggestion, I am going to contact Macy's - in addition to Rob being in the parade, my wife just had major foot surgery yesterday, and won't be 100% in five weeks. Maybe they will make some accomodation for her/us.

This suggestion is VERY expensive, but so worth it. We watched it from the Novotel Hotel on the parade route. Nice breakfast buffet, private balcony, champagne and hot chocolate while watching, facilities, and a lunch buffet. Best of all we got there right before the parade started. Can't remember how much it was (didn't pay for it myself), but check it out!!

RE: Macy's Day Parade

It's still the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade....Macy's hasn't bought the whole day...yet....

RSM, thanks for the tip, but if I'm not mistaken, the Novotel is farther up Broadway, north of Times Square - the boy's only performance is going to be at Herald Square so that's my only choice. It sounds really nice though, maybe we can check it out in future years.

milemarker - thanks for the correction.

If you have ever seen the parade on TV you know that the Herald Square area is P A C K E D with people, some arriving the night before to get a good spot. If you really want to see the whole performance, you might try and find a hotel in the immediate area and watch it on TV then walk over to the parade to meet up with your son. I think that's pretty much the only way you will get to see the whole performance. Other than that get there as EARLY as possible, and stake out a spot that is close to the baracades. There are places in the area for bio breaks and coffe/tea/hot chocolate and bring your cel phones.